iend, of course not," said the governor; "though,
as men of sense, you and I no more believe in it than does that clever
young Indian."

"As to that, Monsieur Governor, we keep our opinions to ourselves," said
the priest, with as near an approach to a laugh as he ever indulged in.
"At the same time, the sooner we put that acute, clever-minded young
Indian out of the way, together with his instructor, Monsieur Laporte,
the better for the maintenance of our holy religion." The countenance
of the priest had assumed its usual undemonstrative expression as he
continued, "Listen, Monsieur Governor. I believe that the Count de
Tourville and his daughter and son-in-law are equally dangerous. That
young Indian and his sister are constantly at their house, and have
imbibed their pestiferous notions from them. I have had my eye on them
for some time, when they were not aware that they were watched. I do my
duty in looking after the spiritual interests of my countrymen"--the
priest crossed his arms and cast his eyes on the ground--"but I feel
that my humble efforts unaided are not sufficient. When our community
increases, we shall have many of these accursed Protestants among us,
and it will be absolutely necessary to devise effectual means for the
preservation of our authority. I would therefore suggest the
establishment of the Holy Inquisition, by which alone heresy can be
rooted out. It will prove our zeal for religion, and gain the
approbation of our patrons, the excellent Duke de Guise and his brother,
the Cardinal of Lorraine."

"You will have my permission to carry out your plan as you may wish,
holy father," said the governor. "You may exercise your authority on
our countrymen as you may deem necessary to bring them under the
wholesome control of the Church; but I cannot have the Indians
interfered with until we are strong enough to do without them. When we
are, you will have my full permission to manage them as you think best
for the purpose of bringing them into the true fold; but in the mean
time their savage relatives may not understand your object in burning
them for the good of their souls, and may be apt in their ignorance to
revenge their deaths by cutting us to pieces."

"I understand your wise policy," answered the priest. "We will bide our
time, then, for commencing the conversion of the Indians. But I have
your permission to act towards the count and his family, and that
pestiferous heretic minist